Where network credentials are stored on your device
Network credentials are the username and password your computer uses to connect to a Wi-Fi network or wired network at home, work, or school. Windows and Mac both store these automatically after you connect once, so you usually don't have to type them again. The problem is finding them when you need them — they're hidden by design.
On Windows, saved network passwords live in the Credential Manager, a built-in tool that stores login information for networks, websites, and apps. On Mac, they're stored in the Keychain, which works the same way. Both systems encrypt these credentials so other people using your device can't see them without your permission.
The location matters because the steps to retrieve them are different depending on which operating system you use. You'll also need administrator access to your device — if you're locked out of your user account, you may not be able to retrieve credentials this way.
Key Takeaways
- Windows stores network passwords in Credential Manager, which you can open by searching "Credential Manager" in the Start menu and selecting "Manage user credentials."
- Mac stores network passwords in Keychain Access, found in Applications > Utilities, where you can search for the network name and view the password if you enter your Mac login password.
- You need administrator access to your device to view saved credentials — if you're locked out of your account entirely, you'll need to use account recovery or contact your network administrator instead.
- If you can't find credentials on your device, contact your Wi-Fi router's manufacturer or your network administrator, who can reset the network password or provide a new one.
- For work or school networks, your IT department or help desk can verify your identity and provide credentials or reset them without you needing to find them yourself.
Retrieving network credentials on Windows
Open the Start menu and type "Credential Manager" into the search box. Click the result that says "Credential Manager" — not "Manage your credentials" or other similar options. This opens a window showing all saved credentials on your device.
Look for the section labeled "Windows Credentials" (not "Web Credentials"). Expand it by clicking the arrow next to it. Scroll through the list to find the network name you're looking for — it will be labeled with the Wi-Fi network name (SSID) or the network address if it's a wired connection.
Click on the credential entry for your network. A button labeled "Show" will appear next to the password field. Click "Show," and Windows will ask you to confirm your current user account password. Enter it, and the network password will display in plain text. Write it down or copy it before closing the window.
If you don't see your network listed, it may not have been saved to this device, or it may be stored under a different name. Check your router's label or contact your network administrator to confirm the network name.
Retrieving network credentials on Mac
Open Finder and navigate to Applications. Double-click the Utilities folder, then double-click Keychain Access. This opens a window showing all saved passwords and credentials on your Mac.
In the search box at the top right, type the name of your Wi-Fi network (the SSID). Keychain will filter the list to show matching entries. Look for an entry with a lock icon next to your network name — this is the saved credential.
Double-click the network entry to open its details. A window will appear showing the network name and other information. Check the box labeled "Show password." Mac will ask you to enter your Mac user account password to confirm. Type it in, and the network password will appear in the password field.
If Keychain doesn't find your network, try searching for just part of the network name, or search for "Wi-Fi" to see all saved wireless networks. If nothing appears, the credential may not be saved on this Mac.
What to do if you can't find credentials on your device
If the network credential isn't saved on your device, or if you can't access Credential Manager or Keychain because you're locked out of your user account, you'll need to get the password from the source instead.
For a home Wi-Fi network, check the label on the back or bottom of your router — most routers have a default network name and password printed there. If the label is missing or unreadable, you can reset the router to factory settings by holding down the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds. This will restore the default credentials printed on the label, though it will erase any custom settings you've made.
For a work or school network, contact your IT department or help desk. They can verify your identity through other means (like your employee ID or student ID) and either provide you with the credentials or reset them so you can set a new password. This is faster and safer than trying to retrieve them yourself.
For a guest network at a business, ask the staff directly — they usually have a printed password or can provide it verbally. For a neighbor's network or a network you've forgotten the source of, you'll need to contact whoever set it up.
Why you might not be able to view saved credentials
Even if a network credential is saved on your device, you may not be able to view it if you don't have administrator access. Windows and Mac both require you to confirm your current user password before showing saved passwords — this is a security feature to prevent someone else from viewing your credentials if they gain physical access to your device.
If you've forgotten your Windows password, you can use another administrator account on the same device to view credentials, or you can use Windows password recovery tools if you have a recovery key or recovery email set up. If you've forgotten your Mac password, you can use your Apple ID to reset it, or use Recovery Mode if you have a recovery key.
If you're locked out of your account and don't have a recovery option set up, you may need to contact the device manufacturer's support line or take the device to a repair shop. They can help you regain access to your account without erasing your data.
Keeping track of network credentials going forward
Once you've retrieved your network password, store it somewhere find. A password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or KeePass can store network passwords alongside other login information, encrypted and accessible only with your master password. This is safer than writing passwords on paper or storing them in a text file on your device.
If you use the same password for multiple networks, consider changing them to be unique — if one network is compromised, the others remain find. Most routers and network administrators allow you to change the network password from a settings page or admin panel.
If you set up a new device and want to avoid this problem in the future, write down your network credentials in a find location before you forget them. Many people store this information in a locked drawer, a password manager, or with a trusted family member.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see network passwords saved on someone else's device?
No — both Windows and Mac require you to enter the account password of the person logged in before showing saved network credentials. If you have physical access to an unlocked device, you could view them, but this is a security violation. If you need a network password, ask the network administrator or the person who set it up.
What if the password field shows dots or asterisks instead of the actual password?
This is normal — the dots are a security feature to prevent someone from reading the password over your shoulder. Click the "Show" button (Windows) or check the "Show password" box (Mac) and enter your user account password to reveal the actual characters.
Will retrieving a saved credential change or reset the network password?
No — viewing a saved credential does not change it. The password remains the same on the router or network server. You're only reading what's already stored on your device.
Can I retrieve network credentials from a device that won't turn on?
Not without specialized tools. If your device won't start, you'll need to contact the manufacturer or a repair technician. In the meantime, contact your network administrator to reset the network password so you can connect from another device.
What should I do if I find a network credential that I don't recognize?
This could mean a network was saved on your device by someone else, or it could be a network you connected to and forgot about. If you don't recognize the network name, you can delete it from Credential Manager (Windows) or Keychain (Mac) by right-clicking and selecting delete. This won't affect the actual network — it just removes the saved password from your device.